DISABLED PEOPLE 'MISSING OUT' DUE TO LACK OF ACCESSIBLE TAXIS

Disabled people say they are 'missing out' on life because of the lack of wheelchair accessible taxis in Wales.

Recent research by Disability Wales showed many wheelchair users had experienced problems when using taxis or private hire vehicles including longer waiting times due to lack of accessible vehicles.

Some said they had been refused a taxi due to having a wheelchair or an assistance dog.

Other issues reported include extra charges for disabled customers and a lack of accessible booking systems for deaf and hearing impaired customers.

Simon Green from the Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People (BCDP) said the lack of accessible vehicles can leave disabled people isolated.

Many disabled people miss out on social occasions and work parties. It's very frustrating and disabled people have work, hospital appointments and social occasions. Lack of accessible vehicles means we're missing out.

– SIMON GREEN, BCDP

The Welsh Government says it is aiming to make taxi and private hire vehicle services more accessible.

The Welsh Government has been clear that we need to provide an integrated transport system that is safe, reliable, punctual, environmentally sustainable and accessible to all. The recently launched Transport White Paper sets out its proposals for improving the legislative framework in Wales for how local bus services are planned and delivered, together with reform of the licensing regime for taxis and private hire vehicles.